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Micromobility is here to stay, and it’s changing how we experience urban life for the better. With Unagi’s membership program, you can enjoy all the benefits of a top-tier electric scooter without the sky-high price of ownership or the inconvenience of ride-sharing.
We’re excited to celebrate Unagi’s 5th Anniversary, and we want you to join the fun! To thank you for your support, we're hosting an exclusive $10,000 Airbnb giveaway. No purchase necessary—just enter for your chance to win! Hurry, the giveaway ends on 10/4/2024!
In today’s fast-paced world, finding an efficient and cost-effective mode of transportation is crucial. E-scooters offer a convenient and eco-friendly way to navigate urban landscapes. Unagi stands out not only for its superior design and performance but also for its affordability and unmatched rental program.
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In the battle for the hotly contested 'best commuter electric scooter' title, it doesn't get better than the face-off between NIU's KQi3 Pro and Unagi's Model One Voyager.
NIU is a seasoned electric vehicle manufacturer that broke the status quo when they introduced the NIU lineup of adult electric kick scooters, which defied pricing to bring vehicle-grade quality to the commuter market. The KQi3 Pro is one of NIU's performance models, with all the necessary provisions for daily commuting.
Meanwhile, the Unagi Model One Voyager is an upgraded version of the original Model One Classic, with a better range, improved power, faster charging, and a marginally higher price tag. However, the cost is the one thing Unagi riders have never quarreled with, as the electric scooters are available under the innovative All-Access Membership plan, which lets you own the scooter for a low monthly subscription fee.
So, which is the ultimate electric scooter: the NIU KQi3 Pro or the Unagi Model One Voyager? Let's find out.
The table below highlights the scooters' specs at a glance.
| Scooter Specs | Unagi Voyager | NIU KQi3 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $79/month | $640 |
| Motor | Dual 250 W motors | Rear 350 W |
| Speed | 20 mph | 19 mph |
| Battery | 360 Wh | 486 Wh |
| Range | 12-25 miles | 21-31 miles |
| Brakes | Dual electronic braking | Dual disc brakes + rear variable regen |
| Scooter Weight | 29.6 lbs | 45 lbs |
| Max Rider Weight | 220 lbs | 265 lbs |
| Construction Materials | Carbon fiber, magnesium alloy and aluminum | Aero-grade aluminum |
| Tires | 7.5 inch, solid hollow tires | 9.5 inch tubeless air tires |
| Suspension | N/A | N/A |
| Deck | 19.2” x 5.04” | 20” x 6.5” |
| Throttle | Thumb throttle | Thumb throttle |
| Unfolded Dimensions | 37.8” x 16.5” x 43.3” | 46” x 21.3” x 47.3” |
| Folded Dimensions | 37.8” x 16.5” x 15” | 46” x 21.3” x 20.5” |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IP54 |
The NIU KQi3 Pro electric scooter is currently priced at $640, behind the newer KQi3 Max, the premium KQi Air models, and the KQi 300 series. The scooter is a quality and performance bargain, as with all other NIU scooters. And with an unusually long 2-year warranty, including coverage on expensive parts like the battery, dash, and motor controllers, the return on investment is guaranteed with the KQi3 Pro.
On the other hand, the Unagi Model One Voyager is available to riders at a low monthly cost of $79 if you're paying month to month and as low as $55.30 per month if you choose the 12-month bundle discount. You can also opt for the 3-month bundled pricing, which brings the cost to $67.15 per month, or the 6-month bundle, which gives you a $63.20 monthly rate.
The benefits of the membership plan go beyond low monthly payments. Membership perks also include:
The Unagi Model One Voyager is a dual-motor electric scooter. It has a front and rear 250 W motor, with a nominal output of 500 W and a peak power output of 1000 W. Alternatively, the NIU KQi3 Pro electric kick scooter has a rear 350 W motor with 700 W peak power. The Voyager is rated to carry 220 lbs in max rider weight, while the KQi3 pushes the limits to 265 lbs. Let's see how each of the electric scooters performs carrying the average adult rider.
The Unagi Model One Voyager is a fast electric scooter for its class, reaching its claimed top speed of 20 mph. With dual motors, it's no surprise that the scooter's acceleration is 4.4 seconds to 15 mph. Meanwhile, the NIU KQi3 Pro electric kick scooter claims to go 20 mph but only manages to hit tested top speeds of 19 mph. It records an acceleration time of 5.2 seconds to 15 mph.
Riders of both scooters can set riding modes on the scooters' companion apps. For the Model One Voyager, riding mode 1 is capped at 9 mph, riding mode 2 has a 12 mph limit, and riding mode 3 is set to 15 mph to comply with most US state ordinances for electric scooter top speeds. You can also set a custom top speed on the app, which would unlock the max speed of 20 mph.
On the other hand, the NIU KQi3 Pro electric kick scooter has a pedestrian mode at 3 mph, E-Save mode at 9 mph, Sport Mode at 16.3 mph, and a custom top speed setting.
The Model One Voyager is a trusted long-distance commuter, achieving a range of 12-25 miles on a single charge. The scooter relies on a 360 Wh battery, with energy-dense cells that provide longer battery life. The electric scooter's custom BMS cares for battery health. In a bind, the scooter's fast charging will quickly get you on the road: 1 hour to 50% charge and 3 hours to full capacity.
The NIU KQi3 Pro electric kick scooter can ride 21 miles on a single charge, but the manufacturer states it can reach 31 miles in ideal conditions. The larger 486 Wh battery takes longer to charge than Unagi's, taking 6 hours to go from empty to full. Additionally, like the Unagi, battery health is safeguarded by the NIU energy BMS system.
It's not a fair race to the top, given that the Unagi's dual motors give the electric scooter a hill-climbing edge. On a 200ft, 10% gradient, the Model One gets to the top in a record 14 seconds, while the NIU KQi3 Pro electric kick scooter takes 16 seconds to reach the top.
The Unagi Model One Voyager leverages dual electronic braking to come to a halt, recording a 17.3-ft braking distance from a speed of 15 mph. Meanwhile, the NIU KQi3 Pro kick electric scooter has a triple braking system comprising dual disc brakes and a rear electric brake with variable regen. From a speed of 15 mph, the stronger braking force is evident, with the scooter coming to a stop in 10 feet.
NIU's vehicle-grade quality on most adult kick scooters in their lineup has earned them numerous accolades--from the release of their first entry-level scooters to their recent foray into all-terrain electric scooters. In terms of quality and aesthetics, they are a match for a match with the Unagi scooters.
The Unagi Model One Voyager features a carbon fiber stem, magnesium alloy handlebars, and a single-piece aluminum frame. These materials result in a heavy-duty, lightweight scooter that's durable enough to survive the rigors of daily riding.
While recent models like the NIU KQi Air and Air X have featured carbon fiber in their build, the KQi3 Pro is not one of those models. Instead, it relies on the trusted aerospace-grade aluminum build typical of most scooters in the market. The two-year warranty speaks a lot to the confidence NIU has in its design and construction.
Both scooters have been recipients of design awards for good reason. They are visibly different from most other scooters with their high-end fit and finish–the clean design, with no visible joints or wiring, and the carefully placed branding makes the Model One Voyager and NIU KQi3 Pro electric kick scooters very desirable. The NIU KQi3 Pro comes in either rose gold or ultra black, while the Model One Voyager is available in cobalt blue, latte, cool mist, and matte black.
NIU adult kick scooters benefit from the company's extensive experience in manufacturing electric vehicles. 3 million vehicles sold, and 18 billion kilometers traveled (11.2 bn miles) is enough to gather all the proper feedback and data to give you a design edge.
The NIU KQi3 Pro electric kick scooter has 9.5-inch tubeless air tires that deliver a smooth ride quality. The 2.5-inch grippy tires are great for maneuverability, especially when cornering. Meanwhile, the Model One Voyager electric scooter has 7.5-inch flat-free tires with a honeycomb design that gives riders peace of mind when navigating city terrain while delivering some shock absorption.
Both scooters, like many others in their class, lack suspension systems.
The NIU KQi3 Pro electric kick scooter has a unique winged deck that, besides being quite roomy, gives the rider plenty of foot placement options. It measures 20 inches x 6.5 inches and features a rubber cover that makes it fairly easy to clean.
The Model One Voyager has a 19.2-inch x 5.04-inch deck with a reinforced fender that doubles as a friction brake, so don't lean too hard. Like the KQi3 Pro, it's also covered in grippy rubber.
The NIU KQi3 Pro electric kick scooter caters to range comfort through its super-wide handlebar, which measures 21.3 inches in width for effortless steering. Additionally, the handlebar height of 39 inches makes it well-suited for tall riders. The ultra-solid frame and stem and the 15-degree steering angle ensure optimal balance, whether riding in a straight line or corners and when riding at speed.
The Unagi Model One Voyager is the best lightweight and portable electric scooter. It weighs just 29.6 lbs and folds down to small dimensions of 37.8 inches x 16.5 inches x 15 inches. It has a quick and easy folding mechanism that stays put, whether upright or folded.
The NIU KQi3 Pro kick electric scooter is less portable than the Voyager. The portable electric vehicle weight stands at 45 lbs and, when folded, measures 46 inches x 21.3 inches x 20.5 inches. It's a bit heavy to carry over long distances, but the stem is comfortable to hold, making the task less daunting.
Both electric scooters feature a water resistance rating. The NIU KQi3 Pro is IP54-rated, while the Model One Voyager is IPX4-rated. This means both scooters can withstand light rains and ride through shallow puddles–the NIU KQi3 Pro is rated to ride in puddles no deeper than 2 cm. However, we have a guide if you want to understand water resistance better.
The NIU KQi3 Pro has a central display with a single button for operation. A single long press turns the scooter on, a quick press changes between 4 modes(e-save, sport, custom, pedestrian), a double press toggles between lights on/off, three clicks change the units from mph to km/h, and five clicks activate walk mode.
The NIU KQi3 Pro also pairs with the NIU app thanks to Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to complete the tutorial that unlocks full performance for beginners. The app also provides access to cruise control settings, custom max speed, riding stats, energy recovery intensity settings, quick lock/unlock, and OTA (over the air) firmware updates.
The Unagi Model One also features an integrated display with the usual functions. Additionally, the scooter pairs with Unagi's state-of-the-art app, which provides access to a remaining range calculator, custom top speed settings, single and dual motor mode settings, remote locking and unlocking, and an interface to manage your Unagi Membership.
NIU electric scooters all come standard with an always-on, high-powered halo headlight whose ring encircles an even brighter headlight for night riding. At the back, a rear fender light that lights brighter when braking but does not have a blinking function.
The Model One Voyager has a high-mounted headlight and a rear reactive taillight. Both scooters also have reflectors to improve night visibility.
The NIU KQi3 Pro and Model One Voyager electric scooters are testaments to the fact that commuter scooters can feature the same level of design intricacy as higher-end models.
The scooters are durable and quite aesthetic. They offer optimal performance for daily riders, with good top speed and acceleration, decent range, and appropriate hill climbing. They feature a companion app and are IP-rated to safeguard them from sudden showers. Their solid designs also ensure ultimate rider confidence.
The KQi3 Pro, however, has a better ride quality courtesy of the tubeless pneumatic tires and achieves a quicker braking distance from the dual disc brakes plus rear regen power. The 2-year warranty also instills faith in new buyers of electric scooters and the brand.
Meanwhile, the ultra-lightweight Model One Voyager is a commuter's dream. The dual motors offer increased efficiency, while the overall maintenance-free design gives you the confidence to get up and ride. The membership perks, including the low monthly fee and theft insurance, are just the icing on the cake.
We're hard-pressed to find a better commuter than the Model One Voyager, but we understand rider preferences can vary. If you need louder confirmation that the Unagi Model One Voyager is it, comb through our best electric scooters and our best electric scooters for adults.
In the U.S., most states don't require a license. For those that do, they usually just ask for a regular driver's license or a learner's permit.
Yes, you can bring an electric scooter on a plane, but it needs to have a lithium battery smaller than 100 watt-hours, which most don't.
Manufacturers advise against riding electric scooters in the rain. The main reasons are: water can fry the electronics, make the ride dangerous, and void your warranty.
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